The valedictorian of the Holy Cross High School in Covington, Kentucky, was denied the right to speak at his own graduation ceremony, so he waited until afterward to deliver his speech outside.

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Christian Bales says his speech talked about the school shooting that took place at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, in February, 2018. It also discussed his desire to make a difference. Bales says his speech was meant to be empowering, but the diocese of Covington released a statement saying that upon its review, the speech contained elements inconsistent with Catholic teachings.

Watch the video above to see the reactions family and supporters had to Bales' outdoor post-graduation speech.